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I had just come from the clubhouse, along with a throng of reporters, swarming and barking at him like hyenas. Everyone wants to be like him. Everyone wants to be him. Everyone wants a piece of his peace.
David Robertson got the save as Mariano Rivera looked on, and the New York Yankees got a glimpse of their future in a 3-2 win over Houston on Friday night that sent the Astros to their team-record 13th consecutive loss.
His 652 regular-season saves are a record, as are his 42 in the postseason. But Rivera isn't defined by numbers.
Rivera put his head on Andy Pettitte's right shoulder and sobbed. The end had arrived, at least for his career in the Yankees' home pinstripes.
This week we have looked back at memorable games and achievements during Rivera's career. Today we look at two moments where the fans had the chance to express their feelings and how deeply it affected him.
Robinson Cano, for one thing, might be gone next year. In truth, they overachieved in a 2013 filled with injury and PED scandal. Most teams wouldn't have hit .500 if they lost a key player seemingly every week.
During four minutes of thunderous chanting from the sellout crowd 48,675 began, an overcome Rivera sobbed as he buried his head on the shoulder of Pettitte, who also is retiring when the season ends Sunday, and then hugged Jeter.
Regardless of what team you root for, there is no denying that a very special moment occurred Thursday night in the Bronx, when Mariano Rivera made his final appearance wearing the famous Yankee pinstripes.
Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte came to the mound to remove him with two outs in the ninth inning.
Joe Girardi told WFAN's Mike Francesa on Thursday that he expects the Yankees to look a lot different next season, but is not considering himself one of the changes that will be made.
Cano's got a savant's swing, dancer's feet, and a pitcher's arm. He plays a game for a living and is living large. His game is pristine and his personality is perfect for New York City. And the Yankees need to say goodbye.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi says he's thinking about allowing Rivera to do it this weekend, when the Yankees finish their season with a three-game series at the Houston Astros.
Bud Selig said he plans to retire as baseball commissioner in January 2015 after a term of more than 22 years marked by robust growth in attendance and revenue along with a canceled World Series and a drug scandal.
It seems that literally everyone wants a piece of saying goodbye to Mariano Rivera.
There's no question that the Yankees would love to bring the five-time All-Star back, but it all comes down to how much money he will command. It could get out of hand, even for the Yankees.
